Hearth Bread Step by Step

 

Recipe for Hearth Bread

1 Tablespoon active dry yeast
1 Tablespoon Sugar
1 Tablespoon Salt
2 Cups warm water (not over 110 degrees)
5 1/2 cups Bread Flour
Corn meal
Pan of boiling water for oven

Mix together first four ingredients.
Let stand until yeast and sugar and salt are dissolved. Gradually add flour to the liquid and mix until the dough pulls away from sides of bowl. Turn the dough onto a floured surface to knead.
To knead fold the bread toward you and push away with the heel of your hand. Rotate and repeat for about 5 minutes. Sprinkle with enough flour to keep from sticking.
Place in a clean oiled bowl. Flip the dough around to coat with the oil. Place a wet dish cloth over the bowl. Allow to rise for 2 hours.
After 2 hours punch dough down and knead to get all of the air out. Pinch into two balls of dough. Shape into two loaves. Place loaves on a corn meal covered baking sheet. Let dough rise for 5 minutes. Lightly cut the tops of the loaves and brush with cold water.
Place in cold oven with pan of boiling water. Turn oven on to 350 degrees. Bake for 35 to 45 minutes or until dough is golden brown.